Architecture
Blood antiquities: The complicity of western museums in the Syrian conflict
When we think of war, we think about destruction. However, there is often a silent war against memory. The conflict that ravages Syria since 2011 has not only tragically displaced and killed millions, but has also erased a good part of Syrian’s historical heritage, that is to say the cradle of civilization. This allowed the Read more
The Louvre heist: how 7 minutes shook the world of cultural heritage
Thieves stole Empress Eugénie’s necklace from the Louvre in seven minutes, exposing critical security gaps. The theft shattered more than glass – it violated the artworks’ « aura » that Walter Benjamin described. These jewels are vessels of national memory; their loss erases pages from France’s material autobiography. The treasures will likely be disassembled, their provenance destroyed. Despite planned security upgrades, implementation failed. While technology like microtagging helps, true protection requires treating heritage as shared identity rather than power symbols. The empty display case reminds us that value lies not in carats, but in memory – making vigilance an act of collective care. Read more
Le Voyage en Hiver, much more than just a Christmas market!
Since last Saturday, the buildings of Nantes are shining, new sculptures have appeared in the streets and people are wandering from cottage to cottage with cups filled with mulled wineat Place Royale. It’s the beginning of the winter, and most importantly, the beginning of Le Voyage en Hiver (Winter’s journey)! In fact, this colourful and Read more
Theatre for Whom? History, Barriers, and Renewal of Audiences in France
Theatre has long been considered a place of culture and refinement — but for whom, exactly? In recent years, concerns have grown about the ageing and social homogeneity of theatre audiences in France. Although demographic changes partly explain the ageing of cultural audiences, theatre seems to be affected in a particularly acute way. This trend, Read more
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: where art, architecture, and nature meet
Most museums are built as containers for art – imposing structures that protect and display collections but often feel detached from daily life. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark, took a different path. Since its founding in 1958, it has blurred the boundaries between art, architecture, and nature, creating an experience that Read more
Transitional urban planning in Nantes
Le Lieu Unique is now one of the most striking cultural venues in the city of Nantes. It is one of the faces of the capital of the Pays de la Loire region and clearly demonstrates Nantes’ ability to use its real estate heritage to develop its cultural activity. Le Lieu Unique was formerly the Read more
San Luigi dei Francesi – a dialogue between cultures
Located between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi (Saint Louis des Français) is one of Rome’s most significant French landmarks. It was built as the national church of France in Rome and this is immediately obvious, simply by looking at its façade, decorated with French monarchs and saints. It Read more
Monuments across continents
Monumental architecture has an undeniable power to captivate us. Whether it’s the towering spires of a gothic cathedral or the symmetrical elegance of the Taj Mahal, these awe-inspiring structures leave an indelible imprint on the cultural landscape. Across different cultures and time periods, monumental buildings have become more than just functional spaces; they are expressions Read more